49ers' GM Baalke: No decisions yet about Ray McDonald

SANTA CLARA — General manager Trent Baalke said Tuesday that he, coach Jim Harbaugh and the organization are united in their stance against domestic violence, but said no decision had yet to reached about defensive tackle Ray McDonald's status with the team

McDonald was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of felony domestic violence in San Jose, but Baalke said McDonald was cleared to practice and no determination had been made about whether he would suit up for Sunday's opener at the Dallas Cowboys.

McDonald reportedly got into an altercation with his pregnant fiancée, who suffered bruises on her neck and arms.

"This is certainly something that hits home for me," Baalke said. "I've got two daughters myself. It's certainly, domestic violence is unacceptable, and it certainly won't be tolerated."

Baalke said he and others within the organization are in the process of piecing together the events that led to McDonald's arrest. He spoke with McDonald on Monday and Tuesday.

"I don't know that we have enough information at this point to make that decision, to be honest with you," Baalke said. "And that's part of the process, gathering as much information as we can so we can make the best possible decision we can, for everybody involved."

Baalke said he and the 49ers aren't waiting for the league to weigh in on the McDonald case.

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"We've been in contact with the league on several occasions since this incident took place," Baalke said, "and they know exactly the stance we're taking and the things we're trying to do to make the best possible decision we can.

"They're guiding us but they're not telling us exactly how to handle this matter. And the matter will be handled by the organization."

McDonald has been cleared to practice, Baalke said. It's uncertain whether McDonald will be permitted to play in the 49ers regular-season opener Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Baalke and the 49ers were criticized for allowing outside linebacker Aldon Smith to play against the Indianapolis Colts two days after he got arrested for DUI after he crashed into a tree.

McDonald has not spoken with the media since his arrest. He was released around noon Sunday.

Harbaugh said on KNBR radio Tuesday morning that he has no tolerance for domestic violence. Baalke hammered home that point.

"I can't reiterate enough, domestic violence is not something that will be tolerated within the 49ers organization, period." Baalke said.

The 49ers lead the league in arrests since the start of 2012. Baalke said it's a given that he and others in the organization are embarrassed by that stat. Furthermore, one arrest is too many.

"Obviously, this isn't something that any of us are happy about," Baalke said. "But it's the situation we're in. Any time you face adversity, it's how you deal with it.

"And we're going to do the best we can to bring a resolution to this and to do the best job we can, of all of us, players, coaches, everyone else, being the best members of this community that we can be. That's our goal, always has been, always will be."